Lyrics:

Cruel were my parents to tear my love from me
And cruel was the pressgang that took him off to sea
And cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand
And cruel was the big ship that took him from the land

Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away

Cruel was the water, that ship it sailed upon
Cruel was the fair wind, for now my love he's gone
Had you blown a roaring gale they'd have left him on dry land
Where he would walk beside me and I would hold his hand

Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away

The ring beneath my pillow is the ring he gave to me
I'll wear it on my finger for all the world to see
Cruel was the captain, the bo'sun and the men
For they didn't care a farthing if I saw my love again

Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away

Cruel were my parents to tear my love from me
And cruel was the pressgang that took him off to sea
And cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand
And cruel was the big ship that took him from the land

Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away
Haul away, boys, haul away